Lighting canopy

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:35 am

I recently purchased this setup on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %3AIT&rd=1

and was wondering what size canopy I would need. Not sure how I want to put this together.....IE...possibly make two smaller canopies or one big canopy.....

this will be a first time exploring wiring for me and dont want to burn down the house so I need help with what other things I need to consider....(fans, etc.) and what materials I might need(type of woods or synthetics that work best) Any help would be greatly appreciated....

If the link didnt work for the ebay listing.....it is two separate reflectors each with two 55 Watt straight pin bulbs. There are two ballasts included but each of the reflector set ups is already straight wired with a plug as well.

Thanks

Rob[/img]

SCMurphy · Post by **SCMurphy** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:12 am

Well, what size aquarium are you putting these over?

It doesn't look like you have to wire anything, it looks like the two ballasts are plug'n'play.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:25 am

Most of us use wood when building a canopy type light. Pine is cheap, easy to work with, and light weight compared to many other woods. Whatever wood you use make sure you seal it with paint or urythane of some sort.

When you mount the reflectors make 1" spacers to bring them off of the top of the canopy a little bit. This will allow them to run much cooler especially if you make slots in the sides and a few in the top of the canopy. The space left above the reflectors allows for convection or greater heat dissipation and cooler run temps.

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:25 am

Guess thats part of my problem: I am rookie extrordinaire when it comes to ballasts and the like when I say that I dont know what plug'n'play means when you say it.....I thought that the lights were meant to be hooked into the ballasts and then the ballasts were plugged into the socket but if you look at the picture the ballasts and the lights both have socket ends so am I supposed to cut the wiring to the lights and then wire them into the ballasts or what? If so I am going to need some help in the wiring category so I dont bring down the apartment building

I have a 55 gallon tank at my parents that could use this or two smaller 30 gallon tanks that could use one of each reflector. Tried to give myself some leeway when I bought this and can figure out the dimensions of the hoods but I guess I need help with what materials work best, how high the lights should be off the water, do I need to add fans to the system(s). whats the best way to secure the reflector(s) to whatever canopy I make.

Thanks
Rob
The lighting rookie trying not to crash

and burn

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:27 am

Aaron

Had to laugh since you answered several of my questions as I typed them

Thanks
Rob

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:30 am

Figured out the ballast thing

Thanks
Rob

Feel like doing the double doh off the forehead right about now

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:52 pm

whats the best way to secure the reflector(s) to whatever canopy I make.

With whatever screws are already in dad's shed.

Do you have access to some powertools and such or does this all have to be built in your apartment?

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:01 pm

I have access to power tools and as for dads shed....thats non existent but the parents basement is close enough that I will be able to utilize it. I think I am going to use the two together on the 55 gallon at their house anyway so it makes sense to build the fixture there. Any good spots on the web with canopy designs? I get the basic measurements and can figure it out from there but thought that this might have been done already and someone might have a link.

Thanks
Rob

Cristy Keister · Post by **Cristy Keister** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 1:47 pm

If you have a glass top make sure the reflector is about 2" above that or it can break the glass. I learned that the hard way.

To get the height of the hood you'll need to measure the height of the reflector and add at least 3".

You do want to get a fan - the type they put in computers - they are typically 3 or 5" square. Make sure to leave enough space on one end of the hood for the fan. Leave the back of the hood open for more air flow.

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:02 pm

Yowch.....sorry to hear about the glass.....I think I will just avoid that all together. Do I wire the fan into the ballast or do they sell them wired for plug in? I was wondering if the fan would be better placed in the center between the two reflectors? I will incorporate the back being open Makes sense Thanks.....Should I plan on adding a stabilizer piece in the middle of the back to allow it to sit flush with the rim without allowing the canopy to fall backwards?

Thanks
Rob

Lighting canopy

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